scholarly journals Sustainability, Sociocultural Challenges, and New Power of Capitalism for Renewable Energy Megaprojects in an Indigenous Mayan Community of Mexico

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (18) ◽  
pp. 7432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amina El Mekaoui ◽  
Rasikh Tariq ◽  
Othón Baños Ramírez ◽  
P.E. Méndez-Monroy
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Power Relations ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Basic Element ◽  
Scientific Discussion ◽  
Energy Projects ◽  
Sociocultural Contexts

Sustainable development is an integrated blend of energetic, economic, social, environmental, and governmental actors, making it one of the most challenging and subjective aims of the United Nations. A sustainability project that does not consider any of these parameters can generate resistance among different actors of society. In this work, we have demonstrated that the traditional definition of sustainability encompassing economic development, environmental protection, and social justice does not adequately cover large-scale renewable energy projects. We have presented an illuminating case study of solar development in the Yucatan state of Mexico to show that the traditional three-legged stool of sustainable development fails to accommodate local power relations and their role in energy decision-making. This point is made through a substantive and illuminating ethnography of a solar project in the community of San José Tipceh, which involves the importance of energy democracy and understanding power relations in any assessment of sustainable development. These power relations are an important component of sustainable development, and all megaprojects, especially renewable energy projects, require special attention in the governance processes. Through an analysis of an example of implementation of a mega solar project, we argue that the methodology through which the power is exercised is an exercise of great importance because it leads us to a scientific discussion that structures an international reflection on sustainability. The case study consists of mixed methods, including several techniques to deepen the analysis of sociocultural aspects, and tries to present the limits and show the weakness of the sustainability perspective in such megaprojects. It is concluded that environmental justice as a basic element of the new era of renewable energies is limited and can generate social injustices. In the same way, this work shows how power is exercised in the implementation of energy projects and in the absence of equitable comprehensive governance that does not consider the local sociocultural contexts of the communities, resulting in the generation of new powers and permanent conflicts. At the end of this work, a framework to empower local sociocultural contexts for an equitable energy transition is recommended.

scholarly journals Optimization of energy storage and system flexibility in the context of the energy transition: Germany’s power grid as a case study

BMC Energy ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonardo K. K. Maia ◽  
Edwin Zondervan
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Modeling ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Power Grid ◽  
Electricity Consumption ◽  
Lithium Ion ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Phase Out

AbstractIn this work we explore the ramifications of incoming changes brought by the energy transition, most notably the increased penetration of variable renewable energy (VRE) and phase-out of nuclear and other conventional electricity sources. The power grid will require additional flexibility capabilities to accommodate such changes, as the mismatch between generation and demand is bound to increase. Through mathematical modeling and optimization, we simulate the German power grid and investigate the requirements of on-grid large-scale storage. Different scenarios are evaluated up to 2050, when 80% of the gross electricity consumption is planned to be provided by renewable energy. Dispatchable power plants will play a key role in the transition to an energy mix with high shares of VRE. Around 120 GW of additional large-scale storage are required until 2050. Between the electrochemical technologies evaluated, lithium-ion was the best candidate. A strong reliance on dispatchables was observed, in case the commissioning of VRE plants goes slower than planned. Energy curtailment increases with VRE shares, with up to 14 TWh curtailed in high VRE scenarios in 2050.

scholarly journals Adjustable Model of Renewable Energy Projects for Sustainable Development: A Case Study of the Nišava District in Serbia

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 775 ◽  
Author(s):  
Violeta Dimić ◽  
Mimica Milošević ◽  
Dušan Milošević ◽  
Dragan Stević
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Energy Projects

Combating Climate Change in Malaysia

2021 ◽  
pp. 264-279
Author(s):  
Nor Razinah Mohd. Zain ◽  
Aznan Hasan ◽  
Siti Ainatul Mardhiah Yusof ◽  
Engku Rabiah Adawiah Engku Ali
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
United Nations ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Development Projects ◽  
Positive Trend ◽  
Energy Projects ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Financing Infrastructure

One of the main purposes for the issuance of sukuk is to fund large-scale development projects. With the rising interest for responsible finance and investment, Muslim scholars propose that besides utilizing sukuk an instrument to finance purely developmental projects, sukuk could be used as a vehicle to raise funds for financing various projects that meet the criteria of social and responsible finance. Innovation in the sukuk issuance, for example green sukuk, has played a prominent role in financing infrastructure and renewable energy projects. With the introduction of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the United Nations in 2015 that strategize to be a blueprint to achieve a sustainable future for all, green sukuk is seen as one of the most potential instruments that can be used in achieving such SDGs. Green sukuk stands with an advantage of a Shariah-compliance financing instrument which, besides meeting the demands from the investors and stakeholders, is also able to provide for a better alternative in a term of social finance discourse. Looking closely into the initiative in combating climate change in Malaysia, this research qualitatively investigates the potential and roles of green sukuk in leading the trend in eco-friendly investments and development projects. The research found that there is a positive trend among investors towards issuing green sukuk that are based on eco-friendly investments and development projects.

scholarly journals Large-scale Water-related Innovative Renewable Energy Projects and the Water Framework Directive

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 315-345 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sander van Hees
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Water Framework Directive ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Final Section ◽  
Salinity Gradient ◽  
Tidal Energy ◽  
Legal Issues ◽  
Energy Projects ◽  
Gradient Energy

This article discusses two legal issues that relate to the conflict between the interest of protecting water quality under the Water Framework Directive (wfd), versus the interest of promoting the use of innovative water-related renewable energy, with regard to the quota in the Renewable Energy Directive. These legal issues are: first, the conflict between the provisions of the wfd and the Renewable Energy Directive as expressed by the no-deterioration obligation, and second, the lack of integration between the Renewable Energy Directive and the derogation clause of the Water Framework Directive. Tidal energy and salinity gradient energy (blue energy) are used as a case study to show the practical relevance of the legal issues for innovative water-related renewable energy techniques. The final section discusses solutions to the legal issues. These are first, the application of adaptive management in combination with phased deployment in order to deal with uncertainty, and second, the introduction of detailed renewable energy plans per Member State in order to increase integration between the wfd and the Renewable Energy Directive.

Territorial Governance of EU Cross-Border Renewable Energy Cooperation: A Soluble or Turbulent Model in the Current Framework?

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-97
Author(s):  
Melis Aras
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Planning Process ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
Development Planning ◽  
Cross Border

The energy transition in Europe requires not only the implementation of technological innovations to reduce carbon emissions but also the decentralised extension of these innovations throughout the continent, as demonstrated by the ‘Clean Energy for All Europeans’ package. However, decentralised energy generation, and specifically electricity generation, as it gives rise to new players and interactions, also requires a review of the energy planning process. In this sense, governance becomes the key concept for understanding the implementation of the energy transition in a territory. This is particularly visible in a cross-border setting, especially considering cross-border cooperation in the development of renewable energy sources (RES) provides the necessary elements to determine the criteria of local regulation between the different levels of governance. In light of the current legal framework in France, this paper presents the institutional framework of the multi-level governance of the RES development planning process. It concludes that it is quite conceivable for the rationales of governance at the local level (decentralisation) and the large-scale operation of a large interconnected network (Europeanisation) to coexist.

scholarly journals DYNAMIC STATE OF ECOSYSTEM CARRYING CAPACITY UNDER ISLAND URBANIZATION: A CASE STUDY OF PINGTAN ISLAND IN THE SOUTHEASTERN COAST OF CHINA

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheng Gao ◽  
Huihui Sun ◽  
Guangxi Cao ◽  
Lin Zhao ◽  
Runjie Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Carrying Capacity ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Assessment Method ◽  
Dynamic State ◽  
Ecological Environment ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Rational Development ◽  
Pingtan Island

The assessment of ecological environment during the large-scale development of islands is a major topic in the study of current coastal islands. Choosing the appropriate assessment method to evaluate the suitability of carrying capacity of islands and making relevant suggestions are significant to the sustainable development of islands. Ecological footprint method is used to analyze the ecological carrying capacity of Pingtan Island (PI) from 2005 to 2016 for promoting the coordinated rational development and construction and ecological environment of the island. Although PI is in rapid urban development and construction, the island maintains secure and stable ecological conditions. PI is used as a research case to analyze the sustainable development of the ecological environment through the carrying capacity of the island ecosystem.

Environmental and Economic Transformation of an Old Industrial Area

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Gao ◽  
David Wadley
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Industrial Area ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Economic Transformation ◽  
Current Situation ◽  
Land Uses ◽  
Industrial Upgrading ◽  
Textile Production

Since the national reform and opening policy of 1978, textile manufacturing has played a vital role in China’s advance. Confronted with the global importance of sustainable development, the industry faces a range of environmental and economic challenges. This inquiry addresses the issues created in an old industrial area and outlines ways in which textile production can be updated. Xiangyang City is taken as the case study, with the focus on three aspects: the use of renewable energy, energy recycling, and industrial tourism initiatives. This study summarizes the current situation and main environmental challenges in China’s textile production and can assist researchers by suggesting development directions and strategies for industrial upgrading and land uses.

Reimaging the Routes to Resilience & Renewables in the CARICOM & OECS Caribbean

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-135
Author(s):  
Alana Malinde S.N. Lancaster
Keyword(s):  
Renewable Energy ◽  
Economic Cost ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Energy Sector ◽  
Small Island ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Energy Projects ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Imported Oil

The states of the CARICOM and OECS Caribbean are small island developing states (SIDS) which are exceedingly vulnerable to economic and ecological shocks. Examples of vulnerability are the economic cost of a heavy reliance on imported oil & gas resources, and the pernicious effects of climate change. A key strategy to mitigate these vulnerabilities is to invest in renewables, increase resilience, and effect an energy transition for the Region. However, research and data on renewable energy and resilience in the region is still evolving. Further, it has become apparent from stakeholder fora such as CREF and IRAC that there are certain fundamental elements which need to be understood and addressed before the Region can achieve a just energy transition. The first is a clear understanding of what resilience means for the Region's renewable energy sector. The second relates to financing options which incorporate elements of resilience into renewable energy projects. Thirdly, in the rebuilding from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is recognised that reimagining full gender equality in the energy sector will be key to sustainable and competitive development. This Article explores the recent developments to re-imaging the route to resilience and renewables in the CARICOM & OECS Caribbean through collaborative efforts at the regional level. It also sets out the next steps in these three fundamental areas and outlines the role for future research to support these regional initiatives.

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